FLYING ANGEL got the Aintree Grand National Festival off to a cracker with a thrilling win in the Manifesto Novices' Chase.

Sixth in the JLT Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when virtually brought to a halt by a faller six out, the six-year-old bounced back to register his third win over fences and first at Grade One level.

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Flying Angel (pictured in orange) won the opener at Aintree as the Grand National festival kicked off in some style

Racing prominently throughout the two-and-a-half-mile contest, the 5-1 shot pressed on under Noel Fehily into a clear advantage past the weakening Frodon on the run to four out.